Lambda bacteriophage has been a workhorse of molecular biology for decades. Itis vital in the fields of molecular cloning and genomic sequencing since it can be used to subclone very long genomic DNA fragments much more efficiently than plasmid vectors. Lambda DNA comes from a bacterial virus, or bacteriophage, which attacks bacteria by injecting them with its nucleic acid. Once inside, Lambda DNA hijacks the bacterial cellular machinery and replicates itself until the cells burst, releasing millions more bacteriophage to carry out the same infection process. Bacteriophage lambda is harmless to humans and other eukaroytic organisms, and therefore makes an excellent source of DNA for experimental study.

Electrophoretic techniques that distinguish DNA fragments by size are essential in forensics and in the mapping of restriction sites within genes. The Analysis of Precut Lambda DNA Kit demonstrates basic procedures and principles of DNA gel electrophoresis, including agarose gel casting, sample loading, size-based separation of DNA fragments, DNA staining, and graphic analysis. This activity provides in-depth explanations about how restriction enzymes cut DNA and how electrophoresis can be used to separate and visualize DNA fragments.

Features and Benefits

Aligns with AP Biology Lab 6

With this kit, students are able to:

Study DNA restriction enzyme function

Use electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments

Construct standard curves from their data and make precise determinations of DNA fragment sizes

Applications and Uses

By visualizing the effect of three restriction enzymes on four identical samples of double-stranded lambda virus DNA, students learn that different restriction enzymes recognize and cut different DNA sequences. Optional extension exercises guide students through the procedure of DNA fragment size determination by constructing a standard curve using their own gel data. Students can then use the standard curve to determine the sizes of the various DNA fragments in their samples.

More Information

Two–session laboratory activity, 45 min per session

Provides sufficient materials for eight student workstations, up to four students per workstation

For more than 15 years, Bio-Rad has made science education a major priority. To support this effort, the company has implemented a discount policy that allows high school and college teaching laboratories to purchase kits, instruments, reagents, and other equipment at preferred prices.

How do I apply for the education discount?

If you are an educator at the high school or college level, visit our Education Discount Policy page to establish an education account number.

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